Lyradelmar's World Travels

Arizona and Utah 2011

2011-12-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

Visiting the South Western portion of the United States is like traveling to another dimension in the space time continuum. I apologize in advance for this and possibly many future nerdy references, after six+ years of marriage, my sci-fi loving husband has indelibly etched his influence on my word repertoire, but I digress.

As is customary near or after our anniversary, the hubs and I decided to plan a romantic little getaway, a budget-friendly winter escapade. Unlike what is customary however, this time we hopped a five-and-a-half hour flight not across the Big Pond or to another country, but right here to the good ol' US of A.

The State of Arizona and it's neighbor to the North, Utah, are vast wonderlands of natural, raw and rustic beauty within themselves. No need to venture further.

We relished leaving the cold and relatively cuckoo climate of the North East for the hot, dry, arid desert of Phoenix....

To the glorious red-rock village that is Sedona, and where we made our home-base for a few days renting our own little studio complete with kitchen and all the amenities of home. (Bell Rock Inn a division of Diamond Resorts, if anyone is interested.) We were able to save quite a few pennies buying groceries and cooking and packing our meals this way. Not to mention how fun it was to play house away from our house;)

Coincidentally our best meal in Sedona was at Ken's Creekside Bistro: Fresh, Gourmet, Organic and delectable fare. Highly recommend the goat cheese, sun-dried tomato and olive bruschetta it is absolutely brilliant.

And then how do I even begin to describe the 2-Billion year in the making Magnificence that is the Grand Canyon? I honestly find it nearly impossible to document with words. What I can say, is that this is one place in the world I believe everyone living in the States (and out of it) should visit once in their lifetime. It is worth every single penny, effort, challenge it takes to get there. Your eyes, mind and soul will thank you. Trust me.

We then drove our way up to Utah, through the desert, the Painted Desert the area where the Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes have called home for hundreds of years.... those mounds are naturally formed by erosion and natural elements like clay. Spectacular is an understatement.

The rest of the our stay was predominantly in the mountainous paradise that is Zion National Park. A rustic wonderland... We stayed at the Best Western Zion Inn. It was clean, central and relatively affordable but does not have any special charm. There are plenty more lodge/cabin like facilities (if that is what your looking for) in and around the Canyon.

We hiked and hiked, and explored and hiked some more....and were prized with a few rare, but beautiful sightings....

Had Pioneer Breakfasts at a Good Old Fashion Country Saloon....

And then found our way to more hiking through naturally formed Coral Sand Dunes....

and even spotted "Where the Buffalo Roam."

We also stopped by Lake Powell Arizona on our return road-trip from Zion,Utah to Phoenix, AZ before hopping a plane home...

This romantic winter escape created two very happy campers, our last night in Scottsdale we went out for delicious Tapas at Irunia. Delicious food, nice ambiance:

(this pic taken the day right after we returned at a good friend's wedding. refreshed and relaxed:)

Till next adventure....

P.S. Have you checked out my Fine Art Photography Shop C'est La Vie Art yet? If not, I encourage you to do so. I am hosting a spectacular 25% off sale through December 28 to make room for more inventory, take a look, you might find something that tickles your fancy or is sure to make a loved one smile:) Thank you friends.

Welcome to C'est La Vie Art Shop

2011-12-01T00:39:00.000-05:00

We just got back from an incredible escapade to the SouthWest - Arizona and Utah. I have so much to tell you and so many great pictures to share about our adventures through the "frontier", I promise to post updates soon.

In the interim, I wanted to let you know that I am hosting a Mega End of Year Sale on all of the unique, custom, fine art photograpy art prints listed in my ETSY shop - C'est La Vie Art. Every single one of these prints were taken exclusively by me, all over the World, I'd love if you could take a peak and peruse for awhile. You may find something that tickles your fancy or may be the ideal gift for a loved one. I have marked down every single print 25% off the original price and will be hosting this sale from December 1st through the 28th! Thank you for stopping by and checking it out! A few samples of what is available listed below:

Click here for easy shopping! http://www.etsy.com/shop/CestLaVieArt

Thank you for stopping by and checking us out! Arizona and Utah recap is next!

Evocative Thailand.

2011-09-16T01:16:00.001-04:00

Before embarking on our twenty one hour, (three airplane) adventure across eleven time zones and two continents into the Southern hemisphere of Asia, I had little to no idea about what we were about to encounter or experience. Like many of you, our knowledge of this intricate and interesting culture had been limited to an affinity for their delicious cuisine and the many ocassions we ordered Thai food for lunch or explored a great little Thai place in the city that boasted the best pad thai this side of Asia.

Trust me when I tell you there is significantly more to Thailand than their mouth-watering food. Albeit, when I think about it, Thailand's food is quite an accurate representation of it's culture: colorful, fresh, exotic, savory, sweet, and very, very spicy. A fusion of many different flavors and elements, a land of beautiful contrasts. Intoxicating. Thrilling. Mesmerizing. Memorable and quite simply....

Evocative.

If I had to choose one word to describe this amazing country, that would be it.

It is the kind of place that forces one to utilize all five senses to experience it's true essence. Your eyes are immediately captivated by the stunning natural and cultural beauty of the surroundings and people, and then your olfactory glands kick in - almost upon arrival - when you note the air boasts a combined scent of potent spices, aromatic flora and humid city life. Your palette is almost instantaneously sent on a whirlwind ride of flavors with the plethora of eateries, street vendors and open markets selling their tantilzing fare... Your ears will hear a fusion of sounds, ranging in everything from the fast-paced sing song of the Thai language, to the variety of traffic sounds in Bangkok, to the gentle swish of the waves on the Bay of Phuket. Finally, when you are able to touch the soft texture in the Thai silks and tapestries, the rough skin of the trunk of an Asian elephant, or the supple fur of a playful baby tiger, you realize just how intensely captivating and versatile this country really is. It boasts everything from modern skyscrapers and impressive shopping malls to ancient villages, rice cultures and everything in between...

From the Golden Palace in Bangkok

to using the fastest (not necesarily the safest:) mode of transport the Tuk Tuk

to playing with these guys in the ancient city of Chiang Mai

to watching this guy paint a masterpiece that can rival Picasso

to chilling on the most incredible beach I've ever seen...

to hanging out in Kaho Phing Kan (James Bond Island - where "Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed )

To be perfectly candid, there are far too many anecdotes, adventures and experiences to share about our trip to Thailand but I fear I might of bore you with my ~~excessive blabbering~~ verbose narrative. I've always been a firm beleiver that a picture tells a much, much better story than any written word can so without further adieu, please come along on the journey Kevin and I, - and our fabulous globetrekker buddies traveled to - the impressive and unforgetable land that is Thailand...

For a full play-by-play of each place, please click on the albums below.

Thailand Part One (Bangkok and surrounding areas) please click here: http://arpa.smugmug.com/Other/Thailand-Part-One-Bangkok/17367804_hJwfXc

Thailand Part Two (Chiang Mai) please click here:

http://arpa.smugmug.com/Other/Thailand-Part-Two-Chiang-Mai/17526651_qCpmXH

Thailand Part Three (Phuket and surrounding islands) please click here:

http://arpa.smugmug.com/Other/Thailand-Part-3-Phuket-and/17867207_qg7tmB

*FYI, many of these prints and others from my travels around the Globe are now available for purchase in my ETSY shop - C'est La Vie Art, please come check it out. *

Accomodations:

I added captions and a link to the pictures of the hotels/resorts we stayed at while in Thailand, but I will list them here for easier reference:

Bangkok- Silq Boutique Hotel. Sleek, Modern, Clean, Great Staff, Centrally located,next to all major trams, malls and within walking distance of los of great eateries. Highly Recommended.

Chiang Mai: - Fern Paradise. This family owned eco escapade lives up to its name. We were the only guests there during our 4 day stay. Incredible personal attention. Gorgeous, unique settings (the "hotel rooms" or villas are re-furbished rice huts surrounded by the most amazing foliage and flora.) The setting is breath-taking and the owner and his son are incredibly hospitable and gregarious. Our stay was also very educational, the owner who has a PhD in Biology and History taught us so much about the history of the "lana" or rice culture and about the plethora of amazing ferns he has personally planted and cares for. A must if visiting Chiang Mai.

Phuket - Holiday Inn Resort on Patong Beach. This was our "splurge" hotel. Well worth it. Great service, good food and amazing pool. Within very short walking (i.e. just walk through the hotel gate) distance from all of the night-life and restaurants on Patong.

Thank you so much for coming along on our journey to the Far East, stay tuned for where our next travel adventure will take us....

Thoughts on Thailand

2011-04-07T14:39:00.000-04:00

We have booked a 15-day trip to Thailand for May!!! This is our first time traveling to Asia and I am simultaneously thrilled and a bit fearful on the unexpected. Trying to channel this fear into excited adventurous energy!

Our plan is to arrive to Bangkok, then travel to Chiang Mai, take day-trips to Chiang Rai and then fly to Phuket to spend 5 glorious days on the beach there and in Ko Phi Phi and other islands. Trying to focus all of my attention on the possibility of laying here…

Maya Beach

And tasting some of this....

Thai Street Food

And marvel at these....

Now if I can only shake my irrational fears about possible tsunamis/earthquakes...:/

More updates coming soon:)

Puerto Rico - 2010

2011-01-26T14:20:00.000-05:00

Pasión. Plena. Pasteles. Poder. Placer.....all words that embody the isle of Puerto Rico. The Rich Port, "El Puerto Rico" as traders and merchants began to label it after Colombus first landed here. This is a special place, truly an "island of enchantment" (Isla del Encanto) as the natives proudly call this beautiful, lush piece of land, and rightly so.

I have had the pleasure of traveling to Puerto Rico almost three times in the past, back when I was single and slightly younger. (We are talking almost 10 years ago people!) I have so many fond memories of our time spent laughing, dancing , dancing, dancing, (did I mention dancing? ) sunbathing, beach dwelling and exploring every nook and cranny with our awesome friends who live there! I recall endless days of sightseeing from one corner of the island to the other that ended with sheer delight and little to no sleep. Yet the unrelentless excitement and short attention span usually associated with immaturity, er, I mean youth :) did not allow me to fully comprehend or appreciate this wondrous little jewel of an isle for what it truly represents. After ten years of absence I had almost erased the true essence of this happy place and almost forgotten why we had relished so many magnificent days here. Almost.

This time however, was different....

This time I had the great pleasure of experiencing at a whole other level the beauty and bounty of PR, next to the love of my life, my hubby, thus giving new and more profound meaning to our time spent there. Providing me with the ability to re-discover and remember what makes this place so special and unforgettable. It also allowed us the learning experience of falling in-love with the gorgeous scenery, the electric ambiance, the food - an exquisite criollo dish, a tropical fruity drink or two - the people, and especially each other. All over again. ( As if we don't already do that every single time we get away...or even when we don't. hee! but I digress) I observed in delight how my hubby reconnected with his roots and understood with a newfound meaning why so many Boricuas love their island so unapologetically. Who wouldn't?

For us this winter escape proved to be more than a getaway, it turned into a fun, fabulous, romantic and rejuvenating adventure! Well with staying in wonderful hotels like the chic and uber comfortable Conrad Hotel on the Condado (Kev landed a great deal on hotels.com:) and eating slap-your-momma-sooo-good-your-gonna-need-to-confess-because-these-are-SINfully-amazing criollo dishes... We were bound to have an incredible time!

Seriously, Puerto Rican food is - hands down - some of the best Caribbean food on the Planet! It is flavored in such a way that to try to describe it with mere words challenges even the most seasoned (pun intended) of writers. The secret has to be attributed to that magic ingredient - sofrito, which renders the most intoxicating aromas and flavors when combined with other "magic" ingredients such as the renderings of chuletas (pork), coconut milk and other food potions that only truly gifted and wise Puerto Rican cooks know and use, not to be shared with the masses. Their secret remains theirs alone. One does not need to know it as long as you have the privilege to taste it...and I promise you, you WILL come back for more. I told Kevin that I am convinced the arroz con guandules I tasted there just had to be riddled with some illegal drug substance because one mouthful has you instantly and incurably - ADDICTED!

We reunited with old friends and made new ones.... Boricuas are some of the friendliest, liveliest, nicest people you'll ever meet! Seriously warm hearted and passionate (and I'm not saying this simply because I married one. Although he IS amazing he doesn't count, he grew up in New York City:)

San Fransisco - 2010 (Finally!)

2011-01-08T14:58:00.000-05:00

(sorry, this post was a loooong time coming. Here are pictures from a little sisterly reunion in San Fransisco, March of 2010.)

Sisterhood. What a strong, profound word with multiple meanings and symbolisms.

I am not referring to a gender movement trying to make political and social reforms, not defining a network of feminists making leeway into a male-dominated world, and especially not referring to a tween group of girls sharing their common interest for some magical pants! ::cringes as I realize I actually own that DVD, hey, in my defense it has great scenery of Santorini. Reminds me of our fabulous trip there:: but I digress...

No, when I speak of sisterhood I am speaking of a deeply embedded, intricately strung group of emotional bonds that are sometimes difficult to explain through mere vowels and consonants. It is the conscious and subconscious intuition that you form a substantial part of something strong, special and very unique. For as you are uniquely individual - when you form a part of this sisterhood - you are reminded that you are never alone in the world...Your sisters are your soul mates. Your kindred spirits. Your Best Friends. (sometimes) Your Worst Foes. But always, and unequivocally a part of you that not even death can take away...

My sisters and I, albeit distinct in personalities and looks, shared a womb, a childhood, a history and whenever we get together, share so many laughs and tears. We can spend countless hours talking, reminiscing, planning, probing, teasing, debating, and really never getting tired of each other's company (unless we are all under Eve's Evil Wrath, then its 'run for the hills' time! lol)

We had the delicious opportunity to get together this May for a Sisterly rendevouz, my sis D and I traveled from New York to visit our baby sister M and her hubby in their lovely home on the outskirts of San Francisco. It was five incredible days that we relished to the max!

We visited Golden Gate Park and sipped Green Tea in the Japanese Gardens...

Sipped full-bodied Cabs and sparkling Roses' in Sonoma Valley....

Ate amazing Sushi in little Japan...

And had an overall brilliant time!!!!

There is nothing like a sister!

Up next, trip review and pictures of our winter escape to Puerto Rico, December of 2010! Thanks for reading:)

Been MIA

2010-11-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Expect a new post from me this week! So sorry for my absence:)

New: Ces't La Vie Events Fine Art Photography Shop

2010-09-16T16:02:00.000-04:00

Hello all! So sorry for abandoning my beloved travel blog. I still owe you the San Fransisco Trip pictures that I promised months ago (yikes!) I apologize.... I have legitimately been very busy on so many projects, one of them being channeling my passion and love for photography and art into a business:) I wanted to share the good news with you lovely ladies as well as provide you with the link to my new Fine Art Photography Shop where you can find the pefect print to decorate your home, office, business space or as the perfect personalized gift!!!!

I currently have three galleries with many of travel prints you have seen featured on this blog. They are the following:

Antiquity

Fresh.....

and Oceania....

Each week I will be adding a new featured gallery, so please make sure to stop by often. Information is posted on side bar as well.

I will be back with many travel related updates!

xoxo

Ly

Thank you!

Dominican Republic (2009)

2010-07-15T22:19:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone! This post is Waaaay overdue! Last year I traveled (sans hubby) to the Dominican Republic for an important International Convention. I was there a total of 6 days and while I had to take care of some business, I also made certain to make time for leisure;)

The Dominican holds quite a special place in my heart, you see some years ago when I was a single gal I had the privilege to partake in an important Educational Mission Program. This mission led me to San Francisco de Macoris, the third largest city in the DR, and a place I would call home for quite some time. Contrary to stereotypes and wide generalizations, the DR is much, much more than all-Inclusive Resorts off the coast of Punta Cana. It is a country rich in culture, diversity, and color, albeit still poor in economic resources. What truly makes this country special is its people. They are some of the happiest, liveliest, warmest individuals I have ever met. It is this welcoming warmth, their unyielding tenacity to continue smiling despite tragedy, that keeps me returning time and time again. It is no surprise then that DR has ranked at the top of the World's Happiest Countries! Here is another reason I love it so .....It is absolutely beautiful! Hope the following pictures do it some justice:

(you haven't lived until you've had a typical, home-made Dominican Mangu with fried cheese, avocado and Salami as a side, worth every single calorie!)

Isla Saona

(was missing the hubs. so I decided to draw him next to me enjoying that sunset on Bayaibe Beach:)

( with a little natural sun-touched color..)

(at the Convention)

Hope you enjoyed a little piece of one of my favorite countries in the world and a place that is home away from home...

Next up. A sisterly soiree in San Fransisco!

San Fransisco and The Dominican Republic

2010-06-08T14:44:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers! I apologize once again for my mini-hiatus. I have been very, very busy with work and life in general, all positive things. But once again I have neglected my travel blog.

Please be on the lookout for upcoming posts on a recent trip to San Fransisco for a sisterly get-a-way as well as a business/leisure escapade I took to the Dominican Republic back in November of 2009 that I never got the chance to share....

Both Coming soon!

Ireland

2010-04-15T15:47:00.000-04:00

Ireland. Truly a fascinating, freeing, fresh, formidable, fantastic place for to frolic and have fun... (stop me before I think of 10 more adjectives that start with the letter "f" to describe this amazing land!;)

The Emerald Isle is unlike any of the European countries we've visited in the past. With the exception of it's mostly gritty and grimy urban capital, Dublin - with its familiar modern tram system, city center choc' full of stores, chic restaurants and the ever ubiquitous pubs - Ireland is a country who's unique history, people and natural beauty separate it from its counterparts.

A place where you are isolated in the most comforting and delicious way possible.

A pastoral paradise of sorts surrounded by dark blue Atlantic waters, green-hued hills dotted with quaint villages and small farms, robust cows, fluffy white sheep and an ocassional Black Sheep of the family. ( Literarally, not methaphorically:)

A place where you can rent out an entire authentic 500-year old Gaelic castle, complete with the original stone walls and fireplaces, and truly escape from the modern world (well almost, we did have electricity and hot running water and two dishwashers and electric blankets...but no TVs, Wi-Fi or satellite...so there. In essence we were truly escaping! ;) An experience like none other we had undergone before -

waking up to the sun streaming through your castle windows illuminating the colossal Lord's chamber with its arched stone ceilings and weathered wood floors and heading down to the kitchen for a familial meal and up to the great hall with its Gothic candlebras and authentic 17th century fireplace that still worked! Grandiose & heartwarming & cozy & marvelous and incredibly hard to describe in words - hope the pictures do some justice to this unforgettable place. Would want to stay in a fancy hotel when you could stay here? So much incredible history and character...we miss it so..our castle away from home;)

A place where we could purchase delicious, fresh, organic produce from the local farmers (our castle neighbors), and savor the most delectable potatoes and carrots you have ever tasted. A place where you could find local pubs that served the most life-altering fresh oysters picked just that morning from their backyard porch - the Atlantic Ocean. The kind of oysters that melt in your mouth like buttah...an edible ocean treat.

Check out the pilot we filmed at Moran's Oyster Cottage. Planning to send it to the Travel Channel and make Mike's shucking abilities known. (pardon all the silly questioning, including what his name was when it was clearly written all over his apron in bold white letters, either the beer was getting to us or we were delirious from the awesomeness of the oysters;) Oh an dGotta love that accent!

A place where you learned the true meaning of the Black Stuff. That notorious brew that has become a household name and basically put Ireland on the map, (no I'm not talking about Jameson, albeit that is another amazing liquid that should be honored all on its own.) A place where I was able to witness my husband - a true beer enthusiast- light up like a kid at a candy store when he walked into the Guinness Storehouse and became a certified Guinness Pint Pourer...

A place where a group of good friends were able to unwind, and relax and thoroughly and unequivocally enjoy each other's company and laugh... and ...laugh...and eat....and dance...and laugh...and drink...and eat...and laugh...and did I mention laugh?:)

Enough of my description of this "place". Let's let the pictures tell the story...

*********************************

My hubby preparing the Brady Bunch Van we rented to explore Ireland. And another view of our amazing castle.

apparently, everybody wanted to wear my hot-pink, mohair Irish scarf;)

my sister's unique fashion sense

my hubby caught whispering sweet nothings to me;)

the night the guys treated us to a home-cooked dinner. you know meat was on the menu;)

our last breakfast at the castle. I made a Spanish Fritata that was a hit:)

hubba. hubba;)

Cheers!

*all pictures labeled Ces't la vie events- photography are my own. These were used and published for a travel article on Dublin.

Frommer's Photo Contest.

2010-03-31T17:42:00.000-04:00

Based on a reader's suggestion,(thank you Mrs. Hark), I just entered quite a few of my travel pictures from Africa and Ireland for this Frommer's contest. After viewing all the fabulous entries from others - I'd say I have a long-shot at best.

But you never know:)

Will keep you all posted on the outcome!

A full Ireland recap with a ton of pictures coming your way!!!!

Ireland Teasers.

2010-03-26T11:18:00.001-04:00

The Emerald Isle was everything we envisioned and more. Suffice to say Ireland is definitely a country worth visiting again and again.

I have so many anecdotes and adventures to share, I don't know where to begin. How about with a few teaser pictures to start?

The incredible 500 year old Gaelic Castle we rented for a week. The entire structure was ours. Staying here was an unforgettable experience alone.

Much more where these came from soon...

Hope you enjoy!

Safari at Kruger's Park - Part 4

2010-02-27T17:12:00.000-05:00

African Safari. An expedition of unparalleled proportions. A journey into the raw, untamed predatory life of the wild beasts of the bush. An investigation that transcends the civilized, mundane, often mediocre world we morph into and out of...

Out there is another universe, life takes on another meaning...

The basic fundamentals of humanity and our relationship with nature are tested with one simple inquiry:

Are you the hunted or the hunter?

(For your sake and ours, let's hope you always remain the latter;)

We ended our amazing African adventure with the pièce de résistance, unequivocally the most unforgettable and exponentially educational experience of our visit to this exotic continent, African Safari.

We arrived at The Elephant Plains Lodge for our stay at Sabi Sands in Kruger's Park, arguably one of the most unique and deliciously remote and romantic places we've ever had the pleasure of sleeping in. This lodge is submerged into the African Bush and built in a way that does not compete with the natural habitat of the surroundings. When there, you are in essence just a few thatched roofs and sliding doors away from facing one of the Big five themselves. A place where TV, radios, internet, satellites and any other medium of technology is very limited and even completely non-existent. A place where dinner was announced by drum-beat and served around a camp-fire every night. A place where walking back to your cabin required a guide, flashlight and "emergency procedure" in the event we encountered a big cat or two on our way back to our door . They tell you the place is surrounded by an electric fence, however, upon arrival you realize that "electric fence" is only a few feet high enough to keep out those extra large mammals like Elephants and Rhinos who have the ability to stampede through and destroy an entire village; but does not keep away any and all wild animal that can jump over fences easily (i.e. Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Baboons...etc.) We watched carefully every morning as the one of the ground keepers would sweep away Hyena footprints that just the night before had crossed right outside our door. Yes, to say the experience was not a bit frightening would be to fib. It was frighteningly fantastic!!!!

During our stay here we adhered to a very interesting schedule of rising at 5.am - the time the animals go out to hunt and feed - and asleep by no later than 10 p.m. Two game drives a day, the early dawn one and one at dusk (when the animals would once again go out to feed and the powerful African sun would begin to fade), pretty much dominated our days. Those game drives were the highlights of all highlights, never knowing what or who we would encounter, never knowing if we would finally get a glimpse of the Big Five, in all their stupendous and coveted glory!!!!

We were fortunate. Our Ranger - who by the way must graduate from an intense four-year college curriculum before ever dreaming of becoming an African Safari Guide - was a walking Encyclopedia of knowledge and factoids about the animals, Africa, and nature as whole. From the moment he introduced himself he candidly expressed there were no guarantees we would spot all the animals we dreamed of seeing for there is no way of knowing where they could be from day to day. These animals are nomads, they roam the Bush looking for food, and it just so happens that the size of the area they roam is geographically equal in size to the Middle-Eastern country of Israel!!! Consequently, our ranger told us that the Big Cats - the elusive lions and leopards - could disappear for up to 30 days without a single spotting! Same could be said for the anti-social Rhino. It was with bated breath then, that we began our first game drives, hoping and praying we could get but a mere glimpse of these beautiful beasts of the wild!

Fortunately, we did not have to hold our breaths for long. Within two full days of Safari and 4 game drives, we had spotted all of the Big Five and even witnessed a fresh hunt and kill, something that is very rare indeed. Words could not express our excitement. Just know that the hubs was "this close" to turning in his office profession for a ranger gig out in the African Bush. I don't blame him; the whole safari experience is intoxicating. Mesmerizing and highly seductive.

For those wondering, the rules of Safari can be the difference between your life and death - no joke. We were told that under no circumstance could we stand up, shout out, or ever, ever get out of the vehicle to touch or pet the animals. The army-green colored roofless Landover becomes your save haven and protection and the element that prevents you from becoming the "hunted." These predators believe the vehicle and those of us in it as one unit, one animal. A noisy animal that follows them and smells of diesel but is harmless. They have learned with time that the vehicle does not steal or compete for their food or mates, and therefore they "tolerate" its presence. They are motion-activated however, and if one of the safari-goers were to make a false move, the animals would instinctively attack! Needless to say no rules were broken, especially when we encountered the big cats and Simba the King Lion himself. A mere glance at his regal stance commands respect! It is also important to mention that our ranger carried a large, well-equipped rifle at bay for our protection; he doesn't leave home without it!

But enough of my long-winded narrative. Let me share the pictures worth a million words. We got to see plenty of these:

and these...
and these lovely Kitties....

as well as these other furry felines...

(we spotted male and female, a very rare site!)

and can't forget this elusive big guy...

You better believe I'll never forget witnessing this...

or finding den (hiding spot) for these sinister guys...

and these not-so-little ones...

Or witnessing masterpiece upon masterpiece of this in the museum of creation...

In Africa, we found paradise....

Amen.
******************
For more visual imagery, please see below.
(warning, there are many pictures, please be patient while they load.)

Our outdoor shower was fabulous, however we opted out of using it at night, never knowing which one of our wild neighbors would feel motivated to join us. ha!

the reason our lodge was called 'Elephant Plains', this was the view from our deck to the watering hole

Krugers back to JNB and then back to JFK, our amazing African Holiday reaches its end...

I hope you have enjoyed reading and viewing as much as I have sincerely enjoyed sharing.

Till next adventure...

Part 4 Coming Very Soon.

2010-02-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

So sorry for the delays. Ive been a busy worker bee on many business and personal projects, haven't had time to update my travel blog in awhile. I promise however, to add part-4 before the end of this week.

For now, a few teaser pictures of what is to come...

South Africa - Part 3.

2009-12-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

On to Part Three of the Awesome African Adventure.
One could spend a full two weeks in Cape town and surrounding areas and still not get a glimpse of all of its wonderful nooks and crannies. There are plenty.

Loved meeting a few of the locals. Like this gorgeous little girl named Anita...

and this gentlemen, Katsu, who is originally from the Congo and is fluent in eight dialects!

We continued our exploration of this beautiful country with a drive down the Capetonian coastline. I found it reminiscent of the famed Route One from the Californian Coast, but slightly more rugged and less transited. My kind of beauty.

We ate incredibly fresh and inexpensive (when compared to US prices) seafood the well- known Mariner's Wharf in Hout's Bay , and went Salsa Dancing to work it off. Salsa music is Global, the Capetonians loved it:)

After a memorable week in Capetown it was time to explore the picturesque and mangificent Wine Country region of South Africa. Quite frankly, the idea of an area in Africa dedicated to harvesting the Beverage of the Gods, had me in a complete state of giddiness. We headed to an extremely quaint town called Franschhoek.

A little history on this village and the surrounding area of Wine Country:

"The valley was originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenot refugees, many of whom were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Olifantshoek ("Elephants' corner"), so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area.

The name of the area soon changed to Franschhoek, with many of the settlers naming their new farms after the areas in France from which they came. La Motte, La Cotte, Cabrière, Provence, Chamonix, Dieu Donné and La Dauphine were among some of the first established farms — most of which still retain their original farm houses today. These farms have grown into renowned wineries.

The Huguenot Monument. This heritage is preserved today with the Huguenot Monument standing at the top of the village. The museum nearby chronicles the history of the first settlers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell.

The Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village is unspoilt, with restrictions having been placed on the extent of renovations and new construction in order to preserve the spirit of the original settlers to the area".
(stolen by Wikipedia, respectively.)

I have been to the Provençal area of France and I can guarantee you that Wine Country in Africa is hard to distinguish from it's European counterpart. The similarities are mind-boggling: from the spoken language, to the cusiine, to the rolling green hills dotted with quaint vineyards and pastoral animals, this area is Tre Magnifique at its best. We stayed at the most incredibly quaint Cottage built upon the Clermont Vineyards. The Auberge Clermont Guest House - Perfectly Provencal and so perfectly romantic.

We Wined and Dined at one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, and lived happily ever after...

More pictures from our wonderful adventure...

(please click on the picture for a full-view, as blogger is cutting off some of the dimensions.)

Except the fairytale is not over yet, no, there is one more significant part to the story - the part where we get to travel deep into the African Bush and have up close and personal encounters with magnificent predators and beasts you never knew existed. After seeing this we can and indeed did live happily ever after... ;)

The fourth and final part - Safari at Kruger's National park - is coming soon!

Stay Tuned.

South Africa - Part 2

2009-12-09T16:16:00.000-05:00

After an unforgettable couple of days in Zambia, we embark on our next adventure - the tre chic and very European city of Cape Town, and its surrounding coastal towns. What a phenomenal treat! Cape Town is like no other city we had visited before, more like a combination of various cities fused into one. Think Rio, Barcelona, San Francisco, London and Denver morphed into a unique, culturally diversified with a tumultuous, but very interesting history - that in a nutshell is Cape Town.

We arrived to our place of stay to find a Cape colonial Victorian from the 1940's turned Boutique Spa Hotel, and were instantly smitten. Welgelegen Guest House, which in Afrikaans literally means "well situated"; was centrally located, incredibly comfortable and catered to any and every individual need. The manager - Fiona - made sure to personally introduce herself and offer her services every single morning. From the mini bar stocked full with fine wines, cheeses, chocolates and champagne, to the complimentary laundry service and fantastic breakfast spread every morning (this is not your typical continental breakfast) we couldn't be more pleased! Highly, highly recommended and well worth the price!

We were told weather in Cape Town is quite unpredictable due to ocean currents from two opposing body of waters that envelop the area, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, respectively. However, on our first full day there we awoke to gorgeous sunny rays and warm winds - the perfect time to visit the famed Table Mountain. Our hotel was located within 10 minute driving distance from the beautiful flat-topped summit from which views of the cape are unparalleled.

The climbing of this precipice is not for the faint-hearted or out of shape. It is an intense, 3 hour, uphill crawl, I mean climb :) And my goodness was it worth all the blood, sweat and tears!

We explored the Water Front, ate incredible sea-food and drank great mojitos, took romantic strolls through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, drove down the Cape to explore False Bay, Cape Point and Boulder's beach where beautiful black and white birds made for perfect company...

Here are more of our favorite captures from this amazing City and surrounding areas:

Next up, Part 3, More of The Cape and Wine Country...

South Africa - Part 1

2009-12-05T00:50:00.000-05:00

Africa, such a simple word for such a complex continent and culture.

To me, Africa had always been a place of mesmerizing mystery. A land of raw, rugged, untouched beauty. A place that epitomizes the exotic to a level I had yet to experience. The reality is almost impossible to express in words. If only I could translate through sentences the experience of glimpsing into the origins of creation: a place where sunsets live and die; animal species of every immaginable color, pattern, shape and size run wild; hundreds of constellations and their galaxies create black velvet masterpieces every single night; and landscapes that take your breath away with their unparalleled beauty. If only these sentences could allow you to breathe, taste, touch and see Africa for what it truly is...evidence to a masterful creator!

Part One - Zambia, Africa

After almost 15 hours of being suspended on the South African Airways 340-600 Airbus at 40,000 feet above sea-level, I looked out of my window onto the vast expansion of endless gray blue skies in time to see the onslaught of a serene salmon-hued sunrise. At first it was slight, almost undetectable, only allowing a thin sliver of the red orange lining to highlight the sky like a pretty ribbon trim on a billowy skirt. Then it slowly began creeping its way upward, overshadowing the darkness and illuminating the horizon. Thick, swooping yellow and coral brush strokes on a landscape; a fitting intro to the powerful, burning dome at its center, the sun had made its grand entrance. With the veil of dusk finally uncovered, I allowed my anxious eyes to gaze down and see rolling hills, mountainous slopes and glance at what looked like the first signs of civilization. We had arrived!

It was at this point that I excitedly turned to my jet-lagged, sleep-deprived husband to my right and almost shouted: “I can see Africa below! Oh my, we are finally here!" And as we began our decent into Johannesburg International Airport, our Awesome African Adventure began!

After landing in JNB, we were picked up by our transport that had thankfully all been arranged prior. We decided that with Africa, an unknown and unexplored continent, we would enlist the aid of a qualified Travel Agent, (who was recommended to us by another nestie, thank you once again!), we were so thankful we did. Rikke, from go2africa.com, exceeded our expectations making this trip even more incredible by facilitating and eliminating all the little inconveniences usually associated with traveling, but I digress.

Let me keep it real, if you've never been on a 15 + hour trans-Atlantic flight before, be prepared to need at least a day of recovery.
Albeit our flight was thankfully uneventful, smooth, the flight attendants incredibly professional and pleasant, the food quite decent (by airplane standards) - it is almost impossible to get a good night's rest on ain airplane. Kev attributes this to the uncomfortable design of the seats in Coach, and I must reluctantly agree. We had leg-room, but if you wanted to crouch into that comfy fetal position to nod off with, and you actually have a bootie like both my hubby and I have been blessed with, ::insert grin here:: you’re going to be quite akwardly seated if you try to sleep. Consequently, we were in dire need of some zzz's. The first couple of hours upon arrival to JNB almost seem like a blur.

All I remember is that we were escorted to a safari-esque type lodge with a nice, comfy bed and hot shower and after a self-served (open bar, as in your the bar tender, serve at your own risk:) beverage to sleep for at least 6 hours straight. When we arrived it was early AM, when we awoke, the sun was setting. After room service and our first glance at African TV we turned in again for an early night, the next morning we were to return to the airport for our flight to Livingstone, Zambia.

Thankfully, the next day we awoke fully bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and after a delicious, hot breakfast we embarked on our 2 hour flight from South Africa to the neighboring country of Zambia, and a city aptly named Livingstone.

Zambia at first glance reminded me of other developing countries we have visited in the past . Of course, after closer observation we began to see just how different this wild, beautiful country really was to any of the former travel destinations. Different in a good way.

We arrived at the Zambezi Sun, a fabulous resort complex located ideally close to the Victoria Falls National Park. This resort wasn't your run-of-the-mill all inclusive. After all, do you know of many places where you’re warned not to feed the wild animals and zebras and giraffes roam freely outside your window. I don't. The "watch out for Crocodiles" sign really had me giddy - Not!

The beautifully decorated hotel was perfect for lounging and relaxing by the pool while being serenaded by interesting percussion instruments played by a local band. The food was spectacular and different. We tried everything from Kudu, a type of antelope, to crocodile skewers, Andrew Zimmern eat your heart out! We also learned the local villagers are much, much more adventurous eaters than we will ever be. Hippo, Elephant and Baboon are all part of their monthly dining options. They don't let anything go to waste. Unfortunately, many of these animals get caught up in strong currents on the Zambezi river, only to end up at the bottom of the powerful waterfalls. The rangers take the tusks and leave the meat for anyone willing and wanting to take a piece home. Nothing goes to waste.

However, the true highlight of Zambia were the magnificent excursions!!!

From catching our first glance of the majestic, earth-shatteringly beautiful Victoria Falls, and jumping into Devil's Pool (yes people, we really did do this, click to see this youtube video) - to our first glimpse of a wild African elephant off the banks of the Zambezi river on a safari cruise - Zambia had our heart going pitter-patter. We couldn’t get enough of this amazing land. We wanted more, needed more....and more we got!

Here are a few of our favorite shots from this incredible place:

( We ate crocodile skewers, quite tasty, and no, it did not taste like chicken:)

Stay tuned for Part Two - Cape Town, South Africa coming soon...

South Africa, Zambia Coming Soon.

2009-10-29T19:31:00.000-04:00

MIA

2009-04-28T17:18:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I have been on quite the hiatus from the NEST and from this blog. Life has been hectic, mostly in a good way.

I have plenty of updates to share...Stay Tuned!

Quebec, Canada

2009-03-13T21:58:00.000-04:00

Decided to forego my usually long-winded, anecdote-heavy, detailed play-by-play review that I provide along most of my travel pictures in exchange for a new method: How about we let the pictures tell the story?

Decided against chronology and order too. What a rebel I am! ha! Instead I am going to provide you the basics of our amazingly wonderful little road-trip to Montreal and Quebec City in a few, succint sentences with my suggestions on why these cities are worth a visit:

Go to Montreal, it is an amazing, multi-cultured city with a delicious fusion of old and new architecture, cuisine and people.

Go to Quebec City, with just a few hours driving North from New York you'll think you have crossed into a quaint European village near Provence, France and forget your in Canada.

Go to such places with good friends, like ours, it will make the whole experience that much more memorable.

It's the perfect holiday for a holiday weekend like Presiden'ts Day, or for an extended stay.

Here are a few pictures of our adventures, taken with my new Nikon D60 that I am still learning to use....

Hope you enjoy. Please let me know if you have any questions! Till our next adventure...